Day 1 Kunming Arrival | Airport Transfer
You would meet your private guide in the arrivals area of the airport or train station. They would transfer you directly to your hotel in a non-smoking vehicle that is reserved just for your group.
Kunming Stone Forest, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features a landscape of jagged limestone formations that juts up from the earth like a petrified forest.
Then, you would be driven to Jiuxiang Scenic Region, which is also known as the Museum of Karst Caves. These caves were formed by the dissolving of limestone by rainwater.
You would visit the Flower and Bird Market before returning to your hotel. Those flowers in every color imaginable create a vibrant display, while the birds and other animals add a touch of the exotic.
You would take a 2½-hour high-speed-train ride from Kunming to Dali in the morning. The most famous lake in Dali, Erhai, is waiting for your exploration.
Trace the path of the drama Meet Yourself from Haishe Ecological Park to Panxi Village. Take great photos with stunning views of Erhai as the background.
Then, you would head to Zhoucheng Town, home to the Bai minority, to admire its intricate batik crafts. There are plenty of workshops where you could learn about the traditional Bai tie-dyeing process. If you would like to try your hand at dyeing your own fabric, just let your private guide know.
You would be driven to Shaxi Ancient Town, which is located between Dali and Lijiang, taking 1½ hours. Being a historic stop on the Tea Horse Road, Shaxi was a bustling trade town and an important branch of the Silk Road. Walking down the streets is like experiencing the atmosphere of the ancient trade route.
The last stop is Black Dragon Pool. It provides beautiful views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, especially on a clear day. The reflection of the snowcapped peaks on the still water of the pool is a sight to behold.
You would take a cable car up to Shanzidou Peak, the main peak of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The views as you ascend are what people rave about. As you get higher, the scenery transforms. The vegetation thins and the air gets crisper. You might feel a sense of wonder as you enter this unique alpine environment.
Afterward, you would visit the Yushui Village, which is nestled at the southern foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It serves as a hub for the preservation of Dongba culture. You can admire intricate wood and stone carvings, painted murals, and a variety of Naxi clothing and handicrafts. The village also features distinctive folk cultural performances.
You would catch a flight from Lijiang to Urumqi in the morning, with a transfer stop in Chengdu. If you would like to stay one night in Chengdu, to visit Panda Base etc, just send us your inquiry.
Heavenly Lake is an alpine lake formed by glacial meltwater and sits at an elevation of 1,940 meters (6,370 feet) above sea level. Taking a boat ride on the lake is a great way to experience its beauty and surrounding mountains from a different perspective.
If you are looking for some handcrafted items, such as silks, rugs, carpets, and musical instruments, that represent the Uyghur culture, don't miss the famous Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar. It offers a unique blend of shopping, cultural experiences, and architectural sights.
You would be driven from Urumqi to Turpan in about 3 hours.
The first stop would be Emin Minaret. It is the tallest minaret in China, towering up at 44 meters (144 feet). Visitors can climb the 71 steps to the top for panoramic views of Turpan city. Then let's head to Karez Well System, which is an ingenious solution to the problem of water scarcity in a desert environment.
Next, you would arrive at the Jiaohe Ruins, the largest, oldest, and best-preserved earth-building city in the world. The city sits atop a steep cliff on a plateau island between two rivers braids. The views from the ruins are stunning and the location itself adds to the mystique of the place.
Today we'll start from Tuyugou Village, passing by Flaming Mountains. Tuyugou has a long and fascinating history, dating back over 1,700 years. The village is home to Uyghurs and you could experience their life firsthand.
You won't miss the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves. These caves lie 45 kilometers east of Turpan. Though predating the Dunhuang Caves in history, Bezeklik's murals have suffered from natural and human damage.
It's better to visit the Kumtag Desert late in the afternoon to avoid burning sun. The vastness of the desert with its ever-changing shapes and textures creates a dramatic landscape.
The morning flight from Turpan to Kashgar takes about 2 hours. After landing in Kashgar, you would first visit the Id Kah Mosque. It's a significant landmark and a dazzling example of Islamic architecture.
Wander through the narrow, cobbled streets of Kashgar Old Town and soak up the traditional atmosphere. There you would find historic Uyghur dwellings with intricately carved doorways, lively teahouses, and colorful street food stalls.
Your private tour guide would lead you to a place named "Guli's Home", which means "home of beautiful girls", to enjoy some afternoon tea. Those beautiful girls would perform a traditional Uyghur dance for you.
You would be driven on the long but well-surfaced road of nearly 200 km (124 miles) to visit Karakul Lake, Muztagata, and Baisha Lake.
Karakul Lake is located along the Karakoram Highway, a historic trade route that winds through some of Central Asia's most stunning scenery. The lake itself is known for its deep blue color, which could appear almost black under certain light conditions.
As the second-highest peak on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, Muztagata soars 7,546 meters (24,757 ft) above sea level, making it a dominant feature in the surrounding landscape.
When passing by Baisha Lake, you would see the contrast between the clear blue water and the surrounding white sand mountains.
Say goodbye to Xinjiang. Your private guide and driver wi escort you to the airport to fly home.
—the Icing on the Cake
Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.
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